Gareth Collett was deeply impacted by the IRA bombings in Hyde Park and Regent’s Park on July 20, 1982. The tragic event, which resulted in the deaths of 11 military personnel and seven horses, inspired the then 16-year-old Gareth to pursue a career in bomb disposal.
Driven by shock and anger at the senseless loss of lives, Gareth was motivated to understand the motivations behind such acts of violence and to help those affected by similar situations. Fast forward 34 years, the retired Brigadier has had a distinguished career serving in various conflict zones, including Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kosovo. Gareth has dealt with war crimes, engaged with royalty, and rendered safe 75,000 explosive devices, saving numerous lives along the way. However, the toll of his experiences led to him battling PTSD.
Now at 59, a husband and father of two, Gareth has channeled his real-life experiences into a fictional novel titled “Blasted Religion,” reflecting his journey as a bomb disposal expert. Reflecting on his family’s strong military background, Gareth always had a desire to serve, aiming to save lives rather than take them, a sentiment that led him to bomb disposal.
Gareth’s extensive training in bomb disposal equipped him with the skills to assess threats meticulously and dismantle explosive devices. Contrary to portrayals in popular media, real-life bomb disposal is far more complex and dangerous, with a minuscule margin for error due to the deadly consequences of mistakes.
Throughout his career, Gareth faced harrowing challenges, notably in Iraq, where the nature of improvised explosive devices made the task even more perilous. Despite the risks and losses he endured, Gareth remained dedicated to his mission of saving lives and unraveling the networks behind terrorism.
The toll of his experiences, especially in Kosovo and Iraq, led to Gareth developing PTSD, a condition exacerbated by the traumas he witnessed. Seeking help was a challenge due to the sensitive nature of his work and the restrictions imposed by the Official Secrets Act. Eventually, he found support through organizations like Help for Heroes, which provided specialized mental health assistance for veterans like him.
Despite the hardships and sacrifices, Gareth remains resolute in his commitment to his work and its impact on global security. His research into the health risks faced by bomb disposal personnel sheds light on the often-overlooked consequences of their service, an issue he personally experienced with his own battle with bladder cancer in 2023.
Today, as an Executive Director at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Gareth continues to share his expertise through teaching and research, aiming to enhance safety measures in the field of explosives. His journey, marked by courage and resilience, serves as a testament to the unsung heroes who work tirelessly to safeguard lives amid the shadows of conflict.